Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton was pleased to be in Wee Waa this week to present the local historical society with a cheque for $6,651 representing the Commonwealth Government’s contribution towards construction of the Namoi Echo Museum Pergola.
Mr Coulton met with volunteers of the Wee Waa and District Historical Society to discuss details of the small infrastructure project that will benefit the local community.
“I have been told that the project will provide a covered area on the grounds of the Namoi Echo Museum,” Mr Coulton said.
“The covered area will be used to hold functions for both local organisations as well as tour groups which will enhance community engagement in the Wee Waa area.
“The infrastructure will be managed and maintained by volunteers of the historical society.”
The funding announcement is a result of Round 1 of the Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme. The purpose of this programme is to improve local community participation and cohesion whilst contributing to vibrant and viable communities.
Mr Coulton is a passionate advocate of the Stronger Communities Programme and was overwhelmed by the community response he received for Round 1 from right across the federal electorate of Parkes.
“For a long time I felt there was a need for greater support for incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations to help build and maintain small infrastructure projects that would benefit our local communities,” Mr Coulton said.
“The fact that my office received over 90 expressions of interests for projects under
Round 1 of this programme certainly confirms my belief that there is a need and I am extremely pleased to be able to help do something about it.
“Our local volunteer organisations such as the Wee Waa and District Historical Society are pivotal to our community’s identities and this programme certainly goes some way to supporting them and the terrific work they do.”